In Focus: Odegaard keeping Arsenal’s title challenge alive

Arsenal are still in with a chance of winning the Premier League as they prepare to face Brighton on Sunday.

And skipper Martin Odegaard has been central to the Gunners' back-to-back victories since their loss at title rivals Manchester City last month.

The Norwegian, 24, scored twice in the 3-1 victory over Chelsea at the Emirates before bagging the crucial opening goal as Mikel Arteta's team won 2-0 at Newcastle last Sunday.

In a potentially tough outing against Robert De Zerbi's Seagulls, the North Londoners will need their leader firing on all cylinders once again.

Magnificent Martin

Odegaard has been one of the driving forces behind the Gunners' impressive campaign, establishing himself as one of the best midfielders in the English top flight.

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has likened the Norway international to City ace Kevin De Bruyne.

After Arsenal's win at St James' Park, Carragher said: "Odegaard gets a goal in a captain's performance. He is Arsenal's De Bruyne. 

"He is the guy that has to take the responsibility of getting on the ball for Arsenal."

Odegaard leads De Bruyne for Premier League goals this season with 15 compared to the Belgian's seven. 

In terms of assists, Arsenal's No8 trails with a tally of seven to De Bruyne's 16.

Arteta's leader

Odegaard is the first Arsenal midfielder to reach 15 Premier League goals in a season since Cesc Fabregas in 2009-10.

And Arteta has been full of praise for the Scandinavian's contributions this term.

The Gunners boss said: "The leadership he is showing and the levels of consistency is what you demand.

"It's not moments, it's every single day. Home and away, he's had some huge performances. 

"He's really helping the team, he's growing in the right direction. We are all very happy to have him."

Complete package

In the final third, Odegaard has upped his game significantly since joining from Real Madrid in 2021 — and has many strings to his bow.

The 49-cap international ranks sixth in the Premier League for shots attempted (89), only 25 fewer than leading scorer Erling Haaland.

Creatively, Odegaard sits sixth for big chances created (14) and seventh for chances created overall this season (70).

The left-footed maestro has also married his potency across various departments with impressive passing numbers, ranking third for through balls completed (10) and first for completed passes in the final third (599).

Brighton beware

European hopefuls Brighton have previously felt the full wrath of Odegaard's brilliance.

In his four appearances against the Seagulls, the ex-Real Sociedad loanee has been involved in four goals (two goals, two assists).

Odegaard has also scored five times in his previous five matches, with the 2-2 draw at Liverpool at the start of April being the last game in which he failed to find the net.

In a season full of twists and turns, Arsenal will hope their midfield general will be on hand to capitalise on any City slip-ups.